Traditional pastime that is now a serious business

Whether with rifles, falcons, or other methods, hunting endures as a pastime among Emiratis from the days when it was essential to survival. However, many of today's shooting enthusiasts are more interested in business deals and corporate sponsorships than foraging for food to survive in the wilderness. A number of clubs also offer shooting as a recreation, including Jebel Ali International and the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.

They host seasonal events, many of which have seen great interest from corporate sponsors in the past. "It's traditional that people shoot and take part in competitions during Ramadan," says Guillaume Gerrier, who will offer special competitions at Caracal Shooting Club throughout the holy month. "I'm sure that we'll be crowded this week." Previous competitions have also drawn big interest from corporate sponsors. Dubai Shooting was a three-day competition at Jebel Ali in 2007, hosted by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, which attracted prize money of Dh1 million (US$272,000).

However, no event can match the Olympic Games for prestige, and it is easily the biggest fixture on the calendar of competition shooting. Sheikh Ahmed's unblinking accuracy won an Olympic gold medal, the country's first, at the men's double-trap shooting event at the Athens Games in 2004. He later competed at the Beijing Games in 2008. @Body-Infobox2:As one of the leading patrons of shooting in the UAE, he is seeking investment to promote the establishment of shooting academies around the country. The largest showcase of the UAE's love for shooting is the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), which will run between September 22 and 25.

@Body-Infobox2:The last event attracted 500 exhibitors from 37 countries, and drew more than 100,000 visitors. @Email:[e-mail]